PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has welcomed a proposal floated by the Wah Noble Group (WNG) to impart free training on modern blasting and mining techniques to mining and civil engineers and other technicians working under the provincial government.
The proposal was put forward by WNG chief executive Brig (r) Shirazullah Chaudhry during a briefing at the CM Secretariat here on Saturday, according to a handout.
Mr Khattak directed the mines and mineral development department to work out prospects of a strong collaboration with WNG in that connection. He said such trainings would prove helpful for the safe mining and blasting operations in the province.
He directed the relevant departments, especially the mineral and communication & works, and energy and power departments, to coordinate with WNG and come out with a feasible report on the proposed joint venture.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Minerals Development Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli, secretaries of minerals development and C&W departments, Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority managing director, energy and power officials were in attendance.
Shirazullah Chaudhry informed the meeting that WNG, founded in 1962, had been working under a joint venture among Pakistan Ordnance Factories, SAAB Group Sweden and Al-Misehal Company of Saudi Arabia.
Mr Chaudhry said presently six companies existed on the WNG which were engaged in a diversified range of services and products that also included carrying out of commercial explosives, industrial chemical acetates and green energy solutions (hydro/solar) projects. He said WNG group’s explosives products were used in mining industry, cement sector, oil and gas exploration, hydro projects, road/tunnel projects etc.
Mr Chaudhry further said the WNG companies were already actively engaged with various infrastructure development departments working under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government like C&W, the Provincial Highway Authority, KP Energy Development Organisation, newly established KP Oil and Gas Company Limited, and mines and minerals development department.
The WNG chief executive said the free training on latest mining, blasting techniques, safe handling and storage of commercial explosives to the public sector mining engineers, technicians and contractors would help update their knowledge and skills leading to timely completion of mega projects. He said the exercise would contribute to efficient, economical and safe handling of commercial explosives.
Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2015
